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Pure Nuff Stuff :: Blog
Thursday 20th November 2008
Green is now mainstream - it's official
I got taken to the pub last night by my lovely other half. Now, people do tend to bring up green issues around all of us here quite often when we're out socially, being in the business we're in, but this conversation was a bit different. We were sitting with a couple mates, one a builder and the other an artist.
My other half mentioned how much he'd like a dishwasher (yes, I know I'm lucky, he does all the washing up) and that as soon as we can afford it, he's going to buy one. I didn't get a chance to raise an objection before the other two rounded on him for even thinking of it. Then, and this is the interesting bit, they started discussing how much hot water it's actually necessary to use, what dish soap they use and the relative merits of each of the brands (all of them eco-friendly).
I think that by the time 3 guys like them sit around debating this kind of thing in the pub of a Wednesday night in a wee town like Penzance, the message really is getting through :)
Sunday 16th November 2008
The links page has been updated
Yes I know, there are probably more exciting things I could be doing with my Sundays, but I am outing myself as a saddo; worst of all, I'm enjoying it! I've updated our links page with some useful and I hope, interesting, links that we use a fair bit. Do let me know of any other good research sites you use and I'll post them too.
Thursday 20th November 2008
Hi BG
No offence taken - good to see some lively debate going on!
Thursday 20th November 2008
Not on purpose, but still worried about safety
I am sorry if me picking the PNS fan name has caused an upset to someone. I don't usually make notes of the authors and really, it wasn't done on purpose.
Thank you for the explanation regarding the preservatives. Although a few references on the net suggest that it simply isn't safe using skincare products without preservatives because if there is water (even purified) in a product, bacteria will grow no matter how clean your fingers are. Apparently even if you don't see anything wrong with a cream for example, such as mold, bugs can still be there and multiplying. As the Beauty Brains explained preservatives are being used not only to extend the shelf life, but to prevent contamination once a person begins using the product which can take 3-6 months. As I said in the first post, i like the fact that your products don't contain any chemicals, but it still concerns me if preservative free skin care made by hand in a workshop (as opposed to a sterile lab environment) can really be germ free.
Thursday 20th November 2008
Hi again BG :)
Thanks for the name change, it will make the original PNS Fan much more comfortable and as I replied to that poster, I had assumed it was an honest mistake, so no harm done.
It's a fascinating subject and people do have different views, but that's the whole point about being able to understand what goes into skincare products. I mentioned before that we get our products tested regularly, so that puts our minds very much at rest about thier safety. We prefer not to use parabens as even the industry experts are still unable to agree on thier relative safety. When you bear in mind that these are the same experts that have approved the use of formaldeyde in skincare for example (just one in a very long list of things I don't like the idea of bathing myself in) then I reserve the right to avoid them until proof positive is put before me.
But this whole process is about choice, if you still have concerns, then perhaps you might consider using oils to moisturise with? We provide them scented or plain, items in the DIY range such as base oils, raw shea butter and coconut oil, not forgetting products like Shea Souffle or the Massage Bars - none of which have water in.
Thursday 20th November 2008
Imposter!
Dear Emily,
I am quite concerned about the article that has been written below. It has not been written by real the PNS Fan i.e. myself, who has been contributing to your blog for a long time now. I accept that they have a right to ask questions but I can assure you this has nothing to do with me. It would help if the blogger in question chose a different alias. I hope this is a genuine mistake and not an attempt to mess up your blog.
Thursday 20th November 2008
Hi there (to the real) PNS Fan
Thanks for letting us all know, I've mentioned to that poster that it's a good idea to use another name in future - but in the meantime your good name is secure (it's not the kind of thing you normally have to think about is it?).
I'm sure it was an honest mistake though, and as you quite rightly say, everyone has a right to question anything, it's just nice when it's done transparently, eh?
I'm sure it was an honest mistake though, and as you quite rightly say, everyone has a right to question anything, it's just nice when it's done transparently, eh?
Thursday 20th November 2008
Eyeliner
Still cannot add comments to the end of messages by the way. I am pretty well practised using liquid eyeliner as I used it A LOT as a teenager (fortunately I grew out of that look!) but if you smudge it out then it really does not matter if it is not completely straight. As with many things upon growing up I discovered less is most definatley more!
Thursday 20th November 2008
ooo yes indeed you're so right about that
Happily my days of black eyeliner a la Siousxie and the Banshees are long behind me too :)
And I shall pass on your problem about posting in the string to our web bods, I did think that had been fixed - sorry. We do have paragraph breaks now though, that's an improvement (for my old eyes anyway).
And I shall pass on your problem about posting in the string to our web bods, I did think that had been fixed - sorry. We do have paragraph breaks now though, that's an improvement (for my old eyes anyway).
Thursday 20th November 2008
Links sorted
Hurrah...now the "stories" will make sense!
Thursday 20th November 2008
Interesting Comment re: Parabens on one of the links
Well, I clicked on one of the links featured on the links page, the Beauty Brains one, and stumbled on a very interesting article about parabens, but it was mostly about preservatives in skin care. Presumably you think preservative free skincare is the way to go, and I like my products without any chemical rubbish in them, but are you not worried about all the bugs that can be present in the products? They were talking gangrene there, and other nasty infections. Please put my mind at rest!
Thursday 20th November 2008
Hi there, whoever you are...
I wondered when someone would pick up on that one :) and like I said, we don't agree with everything they say on that site, but it's a useful resource nonetheless.
No, we don't agree that parabens are the only (or even the safest) way to control microbial activity. Very often when people make references to this type of instance it turns out that the cream in question was home made with tap water for example, which we of course don't do. If you keep your base materials clean, your workshop spotless and control exactly what goes into a cream, it ends up clean. And we get ours independantly tested on a regular basis to make absolutely sure of that, that's just the responsible thing to do.
Parabens will extend the life of a cream, yes, that's why the chemists who work for these large companies - who always have a keen eye on the bottom line remember - are so in favour of them. But if a clean cream is used quickly by a person who has more than a passing relationship with soap, then it will not become a hive of bacteria.
Finally, you're very welcome here of course, but having read PNS Fan's comment above, it might be a nice idea if you posted under another name in future, it helps to avoid confusion and upset to others who have posted here for a while.
No, we don't agree that parabens are the only (or even the safest) way to control microbial activity. Very often when people make references to this type of instance it turns out that the cream in question was home made with tap water for example, which we of course don't do. If you keep your base materials clean, your workshop spotless and control exactly what goes into a cream, it ends up clean. And we get ours independantly tested on a regular basis to make absolutely sure of that, that's just the responsible thing to do.
Parabens will extend the life of a cream, yes, that's why the chemists who work for these large companies - who always have a keen eye on the bottom line remember - are so in favour of them. But if a clean cream is used quickly by a person who has more than a passing relationship with soap, then it will not become a hive of bacteria.
Finally, you're very welcome here of course, but having read PNS Fan's comment above, it might be a nice idea if you posted under another name in future, it helps to avoid confusion and upset to others who have posted here for a while.
Tuesday 18th November 2008
Eyeliner
I use a powder mixed with water applied with a tiny brush and blended using a smudger. I always found that the traditional pens ended up on my cheeks after a few hours but with this method I am having better luck. Mascara is a bigger problem as mentioned ages ago!! There are a few options online but I have not yet made the jump!
Wednesday 19th November 2008
Oh nice idea
I've used our old eyeshadows a bit like that, minerals lend themselves really well to that sort of thing, but it might be my unsteady hand that made it look a touch, amateur shall we say :) Did you have to practice that method a lot before you got it right ?
Monday 17th November 2008
ms
hi,
am new to you...just received first order..absolutely love it all...
looking for vegan waterproof eyeliner /gel....brown..
am looking forward to your cosmetics returning..will there be anything like this...?
keep up yr fantastic work...
regards cj
Tuesday 18th November 2008
Thanks cj and welcome :)
Glad you like your stuff and we're looking to get the makeups back as soon as we've stopped reeling from the demand for all the rest of the new ranges we've just launched. We've still got a few more new products to get launched yet (plus some fab new gifts) but as soon as that's done then yes, we'll get on with the foundations, blushers and eye colours that we've been developing. Eyeliner is a tricky one (especially a vegan one - beeswax is the best carrier that will allow the product to move smoothly out of a pencil really) but it's not beyond the realms of possibility. Getting it waterproof might be a bit of a stretch though, hard to do that naturally I reckon. Cheers for the ideas though, I'll do a bit of research.
Tuesday 11th November 2008
Back to the natural cleaning discussion again
I'm still working on this. As you can imagine, we do a LOT of cleaning here, we need to keep surfaces spotlessly clean and oil free, the whole workshop basically has to be what we call Hospital Clean (well, actually, better than that, but you know what I'm driving at here...) and it has to be completely scrubbed down every day for obvious reasons, which means what ever we use has to be effective, but also safe as we use such a lot of it. So, I've tried the borax cleaner on the floor that was suggested to me, and it works a treat, but doesn't leave the clean smell I like without a fair sprinkling of essential oil (a touch pricey, even for us). So I'm exploring every natural alternative now, I'll test them in the workshop and let you know how I get on. My natural cleaning book is on my Christmas present list still, so any suggestions you have will be gratefully, as always, received.
Thursday 20th November 2008
Natural Cleaning
Definitely worth the investment Emily - I wouldn't be without mine!
Monday 17th November 2008
Natural Cleaning
This is one of my most hated past-times so anything to make it easier!! For the shop floor I use Bio-D's multi-surface cleaner, has a lovely orange aroma and lasts for ages as I only use one squirt for a whole bucketful of water. Again, I use water as hot as I can stand (through rubber gloves) and the same cleaner or Bio-D washing up liquid (which is scent-free) for surfaces, both in the shop AND at home.....have done so for nearly 3 years now, and (touching wood) no one has come down with anything nasty!!!
But by far and away my greatest investment is my hand-held steam cleaner (have I told you about my hand-held steam cleaner?). It's fab. Bought it from The Healthy House around 2 1/2 years ago. It sends out a jet of steam so sanitizes everything you use it on.....so I use it on toilet seats (eww) and anywhere I would once have used bleach, great for getting the grubby rings rounds taps clean....I could go on and on. The Healthy House don't stock them any more, but I know they are available elsewhere
Hope that helps.
Nicola x
Tuesday 18th November 2008
Steam cleaner eh?
Ooo thanks Nic, cheers for your help, I'll check one of those out - worth the investment you reckon? I like the sound of that...
Wednesday 12th November 2008
Ecover
The Ecover floor cleaner smells really lovely, but I am not sure about the disinfectant properties...hope that helps.
Sunday 16th November 2008
Thanks Helen
I like that one too, but there's actually quite a few smaller companies out there doing so great stuff too. I've contacted a few so will keep this item posted with our results.
Tuesday 4th November 2008
So what do you think of the new site please?
We've been working really hard on the new products and scent options things, so we're really pleased, but what do YOU think? There's still a lot of work to do to get it just how we want it, but do you think we're heading in the right direction? Do let us know if you get a minute, thanks.
Monday 17th November 2008
Website
The new website is just fab guys. All working fine for me now - except the blog....still getting the blank square when the page loads then having to scroll down.
Nicola x
Tuesday 18th November 2008
ie6 blog issue
I've updated the styles for the blog (as it was fixed on the shop but not the blog) so all should be well now
Tuesday 18th November 2008
Thank you Andrew
This is the clever chap who built our new look site everyone, we owe him many thanks (and congratulations too, he and his wife just had a very beautiful little boy).
Thursday 20th November 2008
Thanks
I'm just hoping the sleep that I've lost isn't effecting my brain
Tuesday 11th November 2008
Browser
Hi,
Its IE v.6
Hope this helps.
Tuesday 11th November 2008
Thanks PNSF :)
I hope you can see it properly now too - do let me know if you're still struggling though, OK?
Monday 10th November 2008
yay!
Hi Emily
Everything on the website seems to be working now! Yay!. It is microsoft internet explorer that we use. The only thing that still isn't coming up next to the left hand list of products is the Blog!!!!
love to you and Helenx
Tuesday 11th November 2008
Hello again :)
Thanks, for letting us know - apparently IEv7 had been tested, but not IEv6, but as you say, that's been fixed. Glad you can get the full effect of the site as it was intended now, I'll get that bit about the menu and the blog bit seen to over the next few days. H sends her love back, as do I, take care Morag (and give Tyler and Heidi a hug for us when you see them next, I can't belive he's a year old already!) xx
Monday 10th November 2008
In agreement with Pauline and Morag!
Yes, I have got to agree with Pauline and Morag - the same thing happened to me when I first looked at the site. I just thought that it was me being very stupid. Glad to hear that maybe I'm not so daft after all!!!
Monday 10th November 2008
Hey :)
Thanks PNSF, as I've asked Pauline as well, what browser are you using please?
Monday 10th November 2008
Same prob as Morag with new site
I also need to scroll down, and being a bit thick it took me lots of times clicking various sections to think about scrolling down! duh. Can you bring it up, much better that it appears in your line of sight- for the dummies that is.
Like the change to 'care', love htat you have added tinted lipgloss - yeh! Any more gift sets would be appreciated for christmas time... Otherwise I could make it up myself with a little basket. But say a boys set... And finally, can you do bath stuff - bath melts/bombs etc. Would make the products more feasible for me to give as pressies.
Px
Monday 10th November 2008
Hi there Pauline
Thanks for letting us know it's all a bit blank for you, that's certainly not the intention - could you let me know what browser you're using please? I'm getting our lovely web bods to have a look at this and that will help them figure out what's going on. Many thanks x
Thursday 6th November 2008
Blog
On the old site there used to be a click to add comment after each entry so that you could build up a "story" that seems to be missing so it could now end up getting confusing! See my comments about the nail whitener that I am about to write for an example!
Friday 7th November 2008
Meep!! You're right :(
It looked to be working OK, but that's only from the admin side, not from the user side *slaps forehead* - I'll get that fixed on Monday - thanks for pointing it out :)
Tuesday 4th November 2008
fab!
Hi Emily the new web page is fab. The only thing that is confusing is when you first go onto the site next to the product column on the rhs there is just a blank space!. When you click on eg handmade soaps you then have to scroll down a page to find it! Stupid as I am I didnt think it was working the first time I used the product column to find an item!! what an Idiot I am!
Friday 7th November 2008
Thanks Morag
I think there might be a little bit of tweaking to do still, I'll pass those comments on to our web bods and get them to have a look at that in all browsers to make sure it views OK. Thanks for sticking with us though :) Hope you're very well, much love xxx
Tuesday 4th November 2008
Love it!
The new site looks great - well laid out, easy to find things. The "custom made" section's great. That one teeny hiccup with paying for my order, but I can honestly say I've never had a technical issue with a website resolved so quickly. So, not only do you produce fab products you also fix your technical issues!! - are there no end to your talents Emily ?? :o))
Tuesday 4th November 2008
Aw *blushes madly*
Thanks for that, but I do have very able help from the boys at Quintdown web you know, they make me look good. I'll pass on your kind comments, thanks Karen.
Friday 24th October 2008
Are you ever tempted to get false nails put on?
I must admit, I've done it in the past, but have found that since working with essential oils they're now rock hard so don't need to. I was astounded to read in an article while eating luch just now (tuna salad to day fact fans) that the glues that are used (most commonly methyl methacrylate - originally used in the Vietnam war for combat dressings) can not only cause permanent damage to the nails and surrounding tissue, but the people who actually spend all day applying these nails are now reporting problems with thier respiratory systems and also liver problems. Nails to die for indeed? :/
Monday 17th November 2008
I miss my **falsies**
I have always had terrible nails, don't know why as I've never bitten them, or miss-treated them....UNTIL....pre-natural & organic days I got my nails 'done'. DONE....I should say so, as it's taken them (at a guess) 2 years to recover. They now DO grow, for the first time in my **** years, but I do take more care of them now.....I still miss how my nails looked when they were "false", but would rather not be subjecting myself to the rather 'dodgy' chemicals!!!
Nicola x
Thursday 6th November 2008
Nail Whitener
Just to say I was really only joking about putting the sunscreen under my nails as it would be really difficult to get it even!!! LOL
Saturday 1st November 2008
Just had an idea!
Hi Emily,
I think that I am becoming addicted to this site. This is the first and only blog site that I have ever engaged in! You may quite rightly ask - has that person got nothing better to do of a Saturday night? - well I'm afraid to say that the answer is no - I'm writing up a thesis at the moment so the PNS site provides a very pleasant distraction - so sad - I know. Anyway, back to my idea - have you considered printing a little business-type card to put in with all of your on-line orders which encourages people to pass it on to a friend. If you put your catchy PNS slogan 'keeping you and your planet clean' to get across your company ethos and the types of products you sell on it then maybe the PNS words of wisdom may spread much further. This could work because I think that people who buy from suppliers such as yourself are very passionate about what goes into toiletries etc and may like the idea of being able to give a card to a friend and just say 'have you taken a look at this site - its really fantastic'- but without having to be too pushy. Customers could even put it on there notice boards at work. Oh well, back to the thesis.......
Tuesday 4th November 2008
Oh what a great idea, thank you
Youll see those cards appearing on the next few weeks then, you clever thing!
And sorry I've not replied sooner, the new site had a few tiny glitches that stopped me posting, but thanks so much for your kind comments about the new site, we're so delighted you like it!! There's lots of new stuff still in the pipeline still, but we'll get there :)
Finally, you're not sad at all for being so interested in what goes on here, it's all about what happens to your skin so if you intend to keep your skin for as long as I do then I quite understand :D So, what's this thesis on then? (not that I'm nosey or anything ... much)
Thanks again - keep those great ideas coming and of course, your comments too, we love hearing from you.
Saturday 1st November 2008
Nail whitener
Yes the whitener without polish does indeed sound appealing...maybe I will try putting my sunscreen under my nails!!!! Love the new site by the way...still not had time to look round it all though!
Tuesday 4th November 2008
Thanks Helen
Glad you like the site, cheers for letting us know. On the nail whitener thing though, the finished cream doesn't do the trick as well as the Titanium Dioxide and oil mix that we add into the base, so that might not whiten them up enough for you. I think we might need to make that stronger and thicker to get the effect you want. When this web-site stuff has all calmed down (and we're on top of the huge amount of custom orders we've been getting in!) then I'm going to have a bash at this for you properly.
Friday 31st October 2008
Love the new site
I have been like a child in a sweet shop looking around your new site. Can't wait for your new cosmetics range! The problem is that I am so stocked up with PNS stuff at the moment that I have nothing to order yet. The larger hair products are much welcomed. Keep up the good work!!
Saturday 25th October 2008
Fungal infections
I have never bothered since I read that you can get fungal infections if not sealed properly - but considering what you and Helen have said I think that there is a lot more to worry about than getting a fungal infection.
Thursday 30th October 2008
*shudder* fungal infections.... how pretty!
Well there's a phrase to put you off the whole idea eh? ew ew ew I'm thinking about this too much now and it'll put me off my lunch altogether!
Saturday 25th October 2008
Methyl methyacrylate
I have just checked the risk phrases on my chemical supplier website and lo and behold here they are...Irritating to the respiratory system, Irritating to the skin, May cause sensitization by skin contact. My advice is DO NOT DO IT! Once again I am askin how on earth do the cosmetics industry get away with it...again echoing PNS Fan ONLY BUY PNS PRODUCTS.
Thursday 30th October 2008
It still scares me when I find out about a new chemical to worry about
You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but obviously not. It's so scary to me that it's deemed safe for us to be exposed to all these things without knowing what they really are.
Saturday 25th October 2008
Not any more
Once as a teenager I did get some acrylic nails (which I put on myself). They did indeed look nice...if a lot fake! However trying to remove them after one fell off was not easy and my nails did indeed take years to recover. I may go as far as a french manicure for any wedding I may or may not have (boyfriend still not got there after 11 years), but even if I have broken stumps for nails at this time I will not get fake ones! I should say that potentially getting them done professionally may not be as bad for you nails but for me never again!
Thursday 30th October 2008
Oh Helen you do make ma laugh :)
Talking specifically about the 11 years and waiting thing - don't despair honey, you'll get there if you really want it :) But the french manicure thing, you've given me an idea there. When we've make suncream and are washing up the bowls afterwards, our nails are sparkling white for days and it looks like we've had a french manicure. It's the titanium dioxide that sits under your nail and just brings out the colour of clean natural nails beautifully. Now if I can work out a way to get it there without washing up being part of the process, we can do a natural nail whitener without varnishes, does that sound appealing?
Wednesday 22nd October 2008
Meep! We just had a famous person in the shop, we're all starstruck
Clare Balding of horsey telly fame has just been in as she's filming in the area. I am happy to report that's she's not only charming and friendly but also has beautiful skin. I fully expect not to get any more work done today now as we're now swanning about air-kissing and pretending to be famous (like the children we are).
Monday 20th October 2008
Borax a RESOUNDING success - I have finally banished bleach from the house forever!!
With one thing and another, I only just got round to trying this at the weekend, well, to be totally accurate, I gently persuaded my other half to try it. I got in all the materials and gave the kitchen a good going over first to prove it would work, then he had a go at the bathroom. He loved making the cleanser up himself, the results were stunning and I now have a totally mould-free bathroom :)) Having used it on the shower cubicle and seen how glowing white it all is now, he went to the cupboard, got his beloved bleach and donated it to a neighbour to clean down the yard with (we can't throw things away). As he says, he'll happily use natural products when they're better than the ones he's used to, so this is huge progress for us. I don't know if it was the idea of making it himself that swung it, but I don't care, we're finally bleach free and happy. Thanks very much indeed to everyone who gave advice earlier :)
Monday 20th October 2008
Borax
If the Borax solution comes into contact with a plastic bath or ceramic shower tray does it cause any problems. I suppose if its OK on ceramic tiles then should be OK on the shower tray. Also, my bath and shower tray are an off-white / creamy colour - would you anticipate any problems?
Monday 20th October 2008
Borax
I would not anticipate any problems with a plastic bath or the ceramic shower tray but it may be wise to spot test. However the solution is fairly dilute so once you have rinsed there would be hardly any residue anyway. The ceramic tiles in my bathroom have a green pattern and I have not noticed any problems with colour fading, with the tiles/grouting I apply a second coat and allow that to dry on, to leave some of the tea tree oil on to act as anti mould. Hope that helps
Monday 20th October 2008
Thanks!
Thanks for your advice, Helen. I will give it a spot check first and if all is well I will give it a go and will let you know how it goes. Also, I have left a question for you regarding painkillers on another page where you left a comment. Just thought that you may have the answer being a chemist.
Thanks once again.
Monday 20th October 2008
Hurrah
That is fab news!! Just to let you know that I had to do my bathroom this weekend, so I reckon that is about 6 months over the summer so that is pretty good. As I said before I am still not sure how long it will last over winter but hopefully a while as the summer we had was quite damp!
Monday 20th October 2008
*dances about like a child*
Oh I really feel like a massive barrier has been through with this, it's such a small thing but I reserve the right to celebrate victory wherever I can :)
Thanks so much for your help with this, the book is now on my Christmas list.
Thursday 9th October 2008
Onward and upward now, an explanation of why we hate phthalates
If you buy cosmetics or toiletries in Europe, you should read this first (sorry I can't link yet, but we're fixing that shortly) http://www.wen.org.uk/health/Reports/Prettynasty.pdf
The lovely lovely Women's
Environmental Network have produced a report on Phthalates that makes the points on this subject in an easy to read and clear fashion. Read it and weep as they say.
Monday 13th October 2008
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS
So sorry to hear about your loss Emily. I can totally identify with how you must be feeling as I lost my Persian cat Sammy a few years ago. We spent about 14 fabulous years together, he was 17 when he passed away which I was told was a really good innings for a pedigree. I took him on for a neighbour who could no longer care for him & he became one of the most important individuals in my life! I was absolutely devasted & the hardest thing for me was the sense of loss of his presense in my daily life. It left a huge whole in my heart but I am happy to say that it has been as good as healed by the arrival of Charlie a little ginger & white fellow who my friend found abandoned/lost just before last Xmas! He makes me & my partner laugh so much with his antics & is so full of love. I still have a litttle weep now & then for Sammy but, like you, I have so many wonderful memories of him & feel honoured to have been able to share my life with him. Now I have Charlie to care for & him for me and it's true when they say that time is a great healer. Hope this helps you with your grief - it is just like losing a person I think & yes our pets most definately have their own personalities. xxx
Tuesday 14th October 2008
Thanks Zoe (this post got lost last night somehoe, sorry!!)
That's really kind of you to take the time to write, your Sammy sounds very special, how wonderful that you had son long with him :) I wish I'd had longer with Henners, I only had him for 6 years (I got him from the RSPCA when I went to look for a Jack Russel and brought him home when I heard the story about him chewing his tail off in misery at the kennels) but like you say, they were filled with superb memories so we're blessed eh? Kiss your Charlie Cat for me and thanks again for your kind thoughts.
Friday 10th October 2008
Horrifying
Just read the article. I already knew about the potential dangers of such chemicals but to learn that some cosmetics / toiletries contain these chemicals and do not label as such was shocking. As I have said before and will say again - ONLY BUY PNS PRODUCTS.
Just as an aside, Helen has mentioned previously that she is a chemist and that such things don't seem to bother her colleagues - I can identify with this but in a slightly different way. About 18 months ago, I presented with a dodgy looking mole. The mole was removed - it was then analysed histologically and revealed to be a melanoma. Consequently, I underwent a secondary resection - not too invasive fortunately - then nine months later I learned that it was only a normal mole ( a long story which I can't go into). The initial diagnosis really got me thinking because I hate the sun and have keep well out of it even as a child - so why should I have got a melanoma I asked myself. I started to read about chemicals in cosmetics etc- this was how I came across PNS. Now to the important point - I mentioned my concerns about not having had any significant sun exposure to a specialist doctor who I had to visit during the course of my unnecessary treatment and asked what was his view on chemicals etc in toiletries. His reply was - tabloid newspaper junk. I know that an exact causal link between some chemicals and disease have not been established but I prefer to err on the side of caution!
Monday 13th October 2008
First of all, thank heavens you're OK
How frightening for you, what a horribly long time for you to wait the "all-clear". I'm sure the whole experience was quite an eye-opener for you too, but you poor thing, what a horrible way to learn. On a happier note, I've got to say how wise you are about your choice of toiletry supplier :) I have heard similar comments come back from health professionals but like you, decided to err on the side of caution, I remember very similar comments being bandied about at the time of the BSE crisis so, with the greatest of respect for both you and Helen G, lost a good bit of faith in the chemical professions. We're not stating that using certain brands will certainly cause you damage, that's not the case, but put simply, you won't know till it's too late in any event. And even then you won't be able to isolate what's done the damage because you won't be able to replicate the results. So we decided to take certain thigs we considered to be risky out of our routines (and then offer them more widely when we found they worked so well) and the list of those chemicals has simply grown and grown as we researched.
Monday 13th October 2008
BSE
Thank you for your kind comments Emily - it was indeed a very worrying time but it worked out OK in the end. Yes, I agree with you entirely. People just seem to want to shut it all out - if nothing has been proved conclusively then carry on as normal and everything will be OK - not my way of thinking! You have made a very interesting comment about BSE. When the problem first arose, I stopped eating beef and as I gradually learned of all the beef derivatives used in other foods such as gelatine - I started to filter these out of my diet as well. I was laughed at by friends - scientists and a dentist - they thought I was crazy. Well, I think I proved them wrong!
Tuesday 14th October 2008
It's all about taking responsibility for yourself isn't it?
You had the last laugh indeed. I'd rather be laughed at than ill, frankly. And in any event, what we're doing here is all about reclaiming old knowledge, we used to make all these thigns for ourselves, soap and creams I mean. It was only when we started trusting Max Factor and Elizabeth Arden in the 40s and 50s to make it all that these chemical additives ever started appearing in skincare, we're still very much learning about the effects all this will have on us.
Thursday 9th October 2008
OMG
I still cannot belive that things we use in the lab and treat as toxic (even in these tiny quantities) are put into all these things...mostly I cannot believe that until 18 months ago I did not even think about all the crap in cosmetic products. It makes me want to shout from the roof tops and spread the word...however even at work people don't seem that concerned, oh well their loss I guess.
Monday 13th October 2008
This was the driving force behind our creation Helen
We got genuinely scared too when we first started researching this field for ourselves. Of course, most of this research would have been impossible without the trusty Interwebulator, but there are some great books out there too, email me if you're interested in a list of some of our favourites. And you're right, there's an enormous amount of apathy out there too, even it would seem from people that you would think would be more prepared to listen. The general idea seems to be that individual products are tested and found safe so we leave it in the hands of the "experts". Sadly, there is no known test yet for all the different different chemicals that we're exposed to on a daily basis. I've heard it claimed that we can be exposed to a cocktail of up to 5000 chemicals in a day (between cleanserss, toners, makeup, toothpaste and washing up liquid - everything basically). All this and no proof that that's safe? No thanks :)
Tuesday 7th October 2008
We're a bit sad at the moment
Well, I am anyway. Last Friday my beautiful dog and faithful friend of many years, Henry, died in my arms. He was a mad old lurcher/greyhoundy cross beast, not a thing of beauty to anyone but me I guess, but he was my constant companion and I loved him dearly. We travelled the length of the country together and so many of my best memories are tied up with him, usually with him managing to embarrass me horribly in one way or another, he wasn't beautifully well trained but by all I hold holy, he had spirit. So here's to all our dear friends, let's hold them close and let them know they're loved while we can, it's the only comfort we can have when they're gone.
Wednesday 8th October 2008
Love n Hugs
So sorry to hear that Emily...and I agree pets have great personalities!! When I was 10 I got a budgie called Jamie (after Jamie and the magic torch). I taught him to talk, he would fly to me when called and he was my friend and we spent many hours 'playing' together. He 'grew' up with me as he died when I was 23!!! Fifteen years later I still think of him.....alas no pets for me now with all my allergies but the memories are still there. You obviously have some great memories of him Emily.....they will stay with you. x
Thursday 9th October 2008
Oh I just had a little cry reading that
Thank you so much, Jamie sounds like he was a great friend, how wonderful that you had him so long!! And you're so right, I'm sure the memories I have of him will last as long as yours of Jamie; those little beasties, either furry or feathered, that we share our lives with have such a huge impact on us. The gap they leave in our lives when they die is a measure of the love they reflected back to us isn't it?
Wednesday 8th October 2008
Sorry
Emily, so sorry to hear of your loss...all animals are beautiful even if they are not good looking. Hopefully he is in a "better" place with lots of open fields, bones and things to chase.
Wednesday 8th October 2008
Thank you Helen
I'm imagining him on a huge sloppy sofa, he liked a good sleep more than almost anything (even chasing rabbits, not that he got close to them). You're very kind to write, thank you x
Tuesday 7th October 2008
So sorry, Emily.
It is so sad to loose a pet. From my own experience, I think that pets have 'personalities' - and have their own quirky little ways -very similar to us humans! After owning a dog I never believed that a cat would have a personality but it did - I lost her 13 years ago and still think about her quite often. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Wednesday 8th October 2008
Thanks so much
He did indeed have a personality, very cheeky and very fond of socks for some reason; he didn't chew them, just stole them and stashed them under his bed, the wee freak :) And he was scared of my cat, you're so right, cats can have HUGE personalities. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone in thinking so highly of an animal x
Monday 29th September 2008
All this has got me thinking again...
It seems like we're all trying so hard to be as green as we can and generally clean up our acts (sorry) but there really are some things we do that don't seem replaceable by green alternatives. For example, we have to wear gloves in the workshop for obvious reasons, but it doesn't make us happy about the amount of waste we generate. And my whole saga with the wonderfully clean but woefully bleach-addicted Other Half is another good example. What very un-green things can't you avoid in your daily life (yet)?
Thursday 9th October 2008
Painkillers
Today I cannot live without painkillers...earache may never go away!
Monday 20th October 2008
Soluble aspirin / ibuprofen
I have been getting a few bad head aches over the last few days.I took paracetamol which didn't work very well. I then eventually found some soluble Aspirin which I forgot I had. Being very ingredient concious these days, I looked at the label and to my suprise they contained sodium lauryl sulphate. I thought that this might to do with aiding solubility but as the aspirin didn't work I have just been out to buy some ibuprofen which aren't soluble but still contain sodium lauryl sulphate. Does anyone know what the function of this agent is in such preparations? Helen, maybe you will know being a chemist? However, I still agree we can't do without most of our medicines.
Tuesday 21st October 2008
SLS
I do not really know why this appears in tablets...my first thought was bulking agent (but normally talc is used for that) somebody suggested that it may be acting to aid bioavaliablity (i.e. getting the active ingredient to the place it is needed). I have just had a quick look at the multitude of painkillers in my office drawer and my ibuprofen from asda does not seem list it on the label if that helps. If the ibuprofen does not work I find that co-codamol does the trick (you may have some reservations as if you take too many you can get rebound headaches but for isolated use you should be fine...for REAL advice see the pharmacist!!)
Tuesday 21st October 2008
Talc
Thanks for your advice - the Ibuprofen is helping though. You mention talc as a bulking agent - this is quite worrying when you read the concerns that are stated regarding the use of talc as a toiletry. I read an article only recently about women who use talc to freshen up 'certain parts' have a significant increased risk of ovarian cancer. You would think that there must be alternative agents that can be used for bulking up pharmaceuticals that would be more innocuous in nature. Anyway, I've had my rant for today. Thanks once again. Bye for now.
Wednesday 22nd October 2008
The more you learn to look at the label, the more of these wierd things you'll see
But it does simplify life in the end really, you learn to have less and less in the cupboard as you trust so few brands in the end... Well done for spotting that one, scary where it turns up eh?
Monday 13th October 2008
Hope you're feeling better Helen
Earache is utter misery, I've only had one ear infection over my long years on the planet and I honestly thought I was going to go mad with the pain - we're sending you lots of good vibes for a quick recovery x
Friday 17th October 2008
Hurrah
Finally feeling better!!
Monday 6th October 2008
More
In all seriousness though the cuticle remover is the bigger issue...does anybody think that there might be a natural alternative? I do have some PNS nail oil which is lovely, but it is not really designed for getting rid of those little bits that get stuck to your nail! I am only 29 by the way, this anonymity is a revalation...I keep forgetting that people don't know me...and probably don't get me sense of humor, again LOL!
Tuesday 7th October 2008
Oh bless your heart
I get you Helen!! And I also get your thing about facial hair. At the risk of over-sharing here.... I recently found quite a freakishly long hair under my chin, I am now ultra-vigilant as I'm terrified that having plucked that one, more will replace it! But my problems aside, I do defend your right to bleach if you feel you need to, we're all judged so much on our appearance that it's hard to buck every trend... For example, I don't wear huge amounts of make up (mascara basically, that's it) and I do notice it when I go to London, I also have to say that it's mostly women who will comment on my "bravery" for going without - people I know I hasten to add, not that that makes it any better. Anyway, your cuticle remover quest, I'm gonna have a little think about that, I'll try a few things and come back to you, OK?
Monday 6th October 2008
LOL
Thats pretty much what my Mum says...nobody else would even notice but I know there is a slight shadow even if I do have to hold the mirror 6 inches from my face!! As I said vanity!!
Monday 6th October 2008
Vanity
Facial hair is very often a sign of old age - I'm sure this can be very distressing for some but there is nothing wrong with being old - my advice is to grow old gracefully and in so doing you will help to provide an ecologically safer environment.
Tuesday 7th October 2008
Well said
Wise words indeed x
Monday 6th October 2008
Cuticle Remover
Cannot seem to live without cuticle remover or facial hair bleach...vain I know but any suggestions would be helpful!
Tuesday 30th September 2008
Non Eco Stuff!!!
cat litter!!!!!!! the more eco ones are really expensive. Bin bags! Also glass and pure nuff packaging! as we can't recycle glass or plastics in our bins (only milk cartons!)
Thursday 2nd October 2008
Ooo that's a toughie
Disposal of pet waste in general is one that's a struggle for me too. I suppose that's one that just comes down to the 80:20 rule, we do so well with most other things, we shouldn't beat ourselves up too much about these things should we? When it comes to a decision between one's green principles and public health, then it would be selfish to do anything else eh? One day Morag someone really clever will come up with a solution to this problem, we'll just have to wait a little :). I've always thought that the Time Team of 2000 years in the future will believe we idolised dog poo because we wrapped it in so much plastic (which we know won't degrade) to keep it safe.
Tuesday 16th September 2008
Another question
Leading on from the clothes washing questions in the last few weeks, what do you use for general cleaning at home? Do you find that the more eco-friendly cleaners are up to the job or do you still harbour a deep set love of bleach that you can't quite get away from? To start us off, I'm using some of the more old-fashioned methods at home (vinegar and newspaper on the windows, baking soda to clean the fridge and the top of the cooker for example) and finding they actually work better than many of the chemical-laden offerings (with the added benefit that my flat doesn't smell strange). The bit that I'm struggling with is the tiles and grouting in our damp bathroom. Lemon and baking soda does work, but not for long. What do you do?
Tuesday 30th September 2008
cats and dogs!!!
Hi Emily having a kitten and a cat myself (yes I'm allergic to both of them!) I know that you need some thing strong cleaning wise if there are any wee accidents (which luckily don't happen very often!). Ditch the bleech Emily and just use boiling water out the kettle with lots of tea tree oil which as you know is the best disinfectant ever! Healthier for the animals too instead of gasing them out with the smell of bleech!
Thursday 2nd October 2008
I'd love to, really I would
But as fast as I think I dispose of the bottles, he buys another one. I've just got to hope that the experiment with the borax concoction goes well and he stops buying it. I've got all the ingredients now and I've mentioned the idea to him, he's quite keen to try it (the chemistry part appeals to him I think) so I'll keep you posted. Oh and I quite agree with you about the Tea Tree, but at the moment I'm only allowed to use that after he's done his bleaching - as he gently points out to me, this whole chemical-free thing was my idea, not his, and he has to live there too. Like I say, it's a personal (and obviously ongoing) struggle :)
Tuesday 30th September 2008
Thanks!
Thanks for the tips re EO and vinegar! I look forward to trying :o)
Monday 29th September 2008
Formaldehyde
Yes, I think in this case its function would be to act as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth. We use it in the lab to preserve the integrity of tissue samples and single cell suspensions so that they don't loose some of their biological characteristics that we may wish study at a later date. We store these samples in 1% formaldehyde for 24 hours and then put them in a phoshate bufferd saline solution containing an anti-microbial agent such as sodium azide - another nasty chemical. I would normally wear gloves when handling formaldehyde and avoid breathing it in as it is a known carcinogen.
Hope this helps. Its even more frightening that they would put it in bubble bath and possibly other toiletries. My advice is ONLY BY PNS PRODUCTS.
Monday 29th September 2008
Oh wow thanks for that x 3
It's great to have such an informed view on the board. And thanks too for the proper explanation, that makes sense of why it pops up so often in things like nail hardeners too then doesn't it? And another HUGE thanks for the final sentiment!! (we're so fortunate to have such wise customers!!)
Monday 29th September 2008
Fanric softener and formaldehyde
My 'green clean' book says to use 100-200mL of white vinegar in the rinse cycle...i guess you could add the essential oils at the same time?!
Regarding the formaldehyde being a chemist I too would say that it is likely to be of a preserving nature. Due to its toxicity would presumably inhibit bacterial growth...maybe a biologist would know more!!
Monday 29th September 2008
Hi again Helen
Thanks for that - on both counts! The vinegar in the rinse cycle is one I've not tried, I might give it a go if you think it's worth it. I'll still put in the EOs though, I like some kind of a smell in freshly laundered clothes even though the air dried smell is lovely it doesn't last does it? And thanks for the clarification on the use of formaldehyde too, it seems to crop up more in the cheaper and own brands, which is even worse in my humble opinion as it hits the people least likely to be able to afford alternatives and that makes me cross.
Sunday 28th September 2008
vinegar - fabric softener
Mel/Emily,
how much vinegar/essential oils do you recommend for use as fabric softener please? thanks!
Monday 29th September 2008
Hi there Karen :)
I don't use vinegar in the wash myself (just on the windows and mirrors) but I find that 4 or 5 drops of essential oil in the relevant slot in the machine does the trick nicely. If you're interested I like to vary it too; I use lavender on bedclothes and towels, bergamot or clary sage on my other half's work clothes, 2 drops each of may chang and lemon for my clothes and double the amount of grapefruit for dog bedding. Hope this helps :)
Friday 26th September 2008
PS
Just forgot to say ( I was in shock about the formaldehyde) thanks for your advice about the loo cleaner, Emily - I will give it a go - knowing Ecover is a more ecologically friendly product may make me like the smell more - I just probably need to break the psycological barrier - if you know what I mean!
Friday 26th September 2008
Washing up liquid
Just noticed that my washing up liquid ( a well known supermarket brand) contains formaldehyde! I have a dishwasher so I haven't exposed my hands to it too often. I think I will bin it. I work in a lab - when we use formaldehyde we take special precautions. I don't know at what concentration it is used in the washing up liquid but I certainly won't be dipping my hands into it again!!!!
Monday 29th September 2008
Terrifying isn't it?
You'd be surpised how common it is.... I found it in a supermarket own-brand bubble bath recently too.... every little helps indeed :(. My suspicion has always been that it's in there as an incredibly cheap preservative/filler - with your background in the labs, are you in a position to clarify this?
Thursday 25th September 2008
Bleach
By the way the borax soluition claims to be as good a disinfectant as bleach, I found that removal of ALL bleach containing products from my house was the only way to stop me using them even though they gave me migraines!! However this won't work if your other half has an "obsession"...think yourself lucky though as mine does not even know what bleach might look like!! Having no dog myself I am not sure if there would be a problem with some of the essential olis/ingredients in my book, but they surely cannot be as bad for the fluffy critters as the ingredients in most commercial products??!!!!
Thursday 25th September 2008
Oh I count my lucky stars, I promise you I do :)
Living with a clean and tidy man is a DREAM and I know it, so I'm not having a go at him for using bleach (seems a bit churlish if he happens to be cleaning up after my dog in particular) but I would like to try and gently encourage him to find an alternative. Getting the whole thing to be his idea is the really tricky bit :)
Wednesday 24th September 2008
Books
Emily, the book is called "green clean, eco-friendly cleaning for the home", I am sure that there are many other books of similar vein out there but personally I am pleased with the simplicity of this one! PNS fan, the Ecover toilet cleaner is just as good as bleach, it does have an overpowering pine smell but you cant like everything can you!! You just need to get past the psycological removal of bleach from your life!!! I have not used bleach anywhere in my house for over a year and nobody got food poisoning or anything else!!! My book also says you can use neat vinegar/denture tablets/borax+lemon juice but I have not tried any of these myself
Wednesday 24th September 2008
Thanks very much Helen
That's on my Christmas list now :) And I quite agree with you about the lack of bleach in the house not being an open door to the Plague, I hold a very strong belief that we're all cleaning ourselves to death (to quote the book) and suppressing our immune systems by disinfecting everything we touch. However, as strong as I feel on this particular point, I do have a dog who's getting on a bit and has the odd accident from time to time. I have to admit that when that happens, my first instinct is still to reach for the bleach :( Hard one to break innit?
Monday 22nd September 2008
Cream cleaners
This thread of the blog made me delve deeper into my cleaning products. As I mentioned a few weeks back I just wash most of my clothes etc in water without conditioner but I hadn't really thought much about other cleaning products. Most of the cream cleaners that I use have a very strong poignant smell which I find abit overpowering especially when cleaning enclosed spaces such as the shower cubicle. So I decided to buy some Ecover Cream Cleaner today. I have tried it on my bathroom sink and it does the job as well as any others that I have used but without the strong smell - in fact, it is virtually odourless. It seems very watery when compared to other brands so I was a little dubious at first but I am very pleased with the results. So I am now looking for a replacement for the bleach which I use for the toilet once a week - another strong smelling chemical that I would like to eliminate - any suggestions?
Really like the blog - makes you think about things other than toiletries and cosmetics.
Kind regards,
PNS Fan
Wednesday 24th September 2008
Hi again :)
Thanks for your comments, I'm really glad the blog is useful - I'm learning loads from it too :). To answer your question about the loo though, I've been using Ecover but my lovely boyfriend is just addicted to bleach, he won't stop buying it so I'd love to find something to replace it with! I think he'll like the idea of making his own cleaners though, he's a real practical type, so I'm going to get the book that Helen mentions, see if that helps :)
Saturday 20th September 2008
Forg ot to say
You will need to use hot water to dissolve the borax and shake the container before use!
Saturday 20th September 2008
Borax
I was given a wonderful green cleaning book for christmas, I now make my own kitchen and bathroom cleaners using borax. I cleaned the grouting on the tiles in my bathroom, which were pretty orange and a bit mouldy, back in about May and they are still pretty much white now. Not sure how well it will stand up to the mould and damp of winter but it has to be better than the mould and mildew removers which give me migraines! The recipe uses 1.5 tsp of borax, ,2tbs of white vinegar in 450mL water...a dash of ecover washing up liquid and 2tsp essential oil (tea tree is good for mould). It will require a bit of elbow grease but so do the products in the shops, hope that helps.
Monday 22nd September 2008
OOO thanks for that!
That recipe has been jotted down and I'll try that this week and let you know how I get on - thanks ever so much for that. What's the name of the book you mentioned please, I'd like to put that on my Christmas wish list too? Strange isn't it, we seem to be going back to what Granny used to use with so many things, she was a wise old bird eh?
Friday 19th September 2008
chemical free cleaning
Hi Emily I can't have any chemical cleaning products used in my flat therefore my carers use alternatives. On the laminate floors they use daily a swiffey (with a removable material cloth that can be washed) to collect all the dust. To wash the floors they use hot water with tea tree oil added. The floors then get rinsed just with hotwater. For dusting my carers just use a damp duster to stop the dust rising into the air. For cleaning surfaces in kitchen and bathroom Ecover multisurface cleaner is used. For the toilet ecover toilet cleaner or tesco naturally toilet cleaner is used. For dishes its ecover washing up liquid or tesco naturally washing up liquid. I have heard of Borax being used as a cleaning agent - what can it be used to clean?. Please thank Helen for the advice she gave when we had a ground (rain) beetle infestation in my flat over the summer. 4 bottles of rosemary oil later (used in hot water to mop floors and also put undilute along the front and back doors and on the drive (where we also decided to use pure vinegar as well!!!!!) )we managed to get rid of the wee pests!!!!! You could actually hear them scurrying across the laminate flooring - yuk!!! love to you and Helen from me and Heidi xxxx
Monday 22nd September 2008
Hello there :)
Heleng gives some really good instructions above on how to use Borax, but like I said, it's very strong stuff so have a word with your carers to see if it might affect you before you have a go. I've shown Helen here your post and passed on your thanks, we're all glad you got rid of the beasties!! I use Rosemary oil quite a lot at home too, during Spring Clean time I use it on the duster when I'm cleaning out all the drawers - leaves a lovely fresh smell for months. Useful stuff. Hope you and Heidi are both very well, take care and speak soon xxx
Thursday 18th September 2008
Home Cleaners
I use baking soda to clean my bath and tiles, and find it gives a lovely shine. I use an Ecover toilet cleaner, I can't seem to get the same effect with vinegar and borax.
Pure soap flakes are great alternative to washing powder, and vinegar with some lavender and ylang ylang essential oil added makes a great fabric conditioner.
I have a drawer of essential oils that I use for air purifiers, but I'm yet to start experimenting with the basics that I bought from you!
Monday 22nd September 2008
Maybe it's just our grotty bathroom then :(
But I can't get a really good result with the Bicarb at the moment, maybe it's the damp I mentioned. I'll have to try the Borax thing, I know it's still a dangerous chemical (can cause breathing problems if inhaled among other things) but I do like using essential oils instead of fabric softener too, lavender on bedding and lemon on clothes, it always puts me in such a good mood. Speaking of being happy, have you added up how much using these natural cleaners save you in a year by the way?
Wednesday 10th September 2008
I feel like Jesse from the Fast Show,
But "this week we 'ave mostly been" coping with a huge increase in orders for soap. Can someone tell me please, have we missed out on some wild new washing trend? Don't get me wrong, we're delighted of course and it is really great soap, but you can't help notice a change in sales trends.
Thursday 4th September 2008
Conditioner, Creams and Christmas
We can hardly think straight this week - the tourist season is still very much with us so the shop's very busy, we're catching up with the order rush following a very nice mention in the Observer last Sunday (thank you Mr Observer) and what with the pre-orders for Christmas already, we're in a bit of a spin. I had no idea before I got into Retail that so many people are FRIGHTENINGLY organised - it's very impressive of course, but a teensy bit sad at the same time, I'm still waiting for Summer to finally happen :( Anyway, huge batches of both Condionter and all the Cream Dreams have been slaved over this week, that should keep us going for a wee while. Doug is experimenting with some super new soap blends too which is really exciting, we're using some lovely English oils this time, so will keep you posted on how his 'speriments get on.
Wednesday 24th September 2008
Shower Scrub
Delicious! Perhaps I might save the peppermint ones for next "summer"!!
Thursday 25th September 2008
Helen, could you try something for us please?
We've just made that blend of Jasmine & Orange Shower Scrub Salts (and I know I'm biased, but it's an utterly LOVELY mix, I'm really excited about it), can you email me with your address please and we'll send you some to try? Many thanks :)
Saturday 20th September 2008
Shower Salt Scrub
Have you thought about making a salt scrub with other essential oils? I ask because I am a "reptile" and while the peppermint is fab for those few hot days in summer but I get really cold using it otherwise!! I know half the point is that it is invigorating but I would like it if there was another option, perhaps something relaxing/flowery. My friends/family have bought me lots this as prezzies and may not have realised the possibility of customising the orders!!
Monday 22nd September 2008
Shower Scrub Options
Hi there Helen :) The very quick answser to this is yes, we are thinking of other scent options for this product, we were talking about this only last week. We are thinking about a sweeter blend, Jasmine and Orange was what we'd come up with, what do you think of that one?
Friday 29th August 2008
So, what about nail varnish then?
Now, I know it's not strictly natural and I can't wear it on my fingernails for obvious reasons (who wants a flake of varnish turning up in a cream for example? - we wear gloves naturally but it's still not good practice) but I do like to paint my toenails, especially in the erm, summer months... Do you use any nail varnishes at all and if so, what are your favourites? I've been using some Sante ones that we used to sell here in the shop and of course they do have some questionable ingredients still, but they're far from the worst out there - what do you think?
Thursday 4th September 2008
Nail Varnish
Santé do advertise that their nail varnishes are free from Phthalates, Plasticers, Rosins, Formaldehye and Tolouene and do not use colour lakes. THAT said they simply can't be completely natural to adhere to the nails, as far as I know and this part of their range isn't covered by the BDIH certification.
That said I do use them on my toes too as I don't thin